Arabic version: مجلس ستراثفيلد يغطي عبارة «أرض وانغال» على لافتات المداخل

According to ABC News, Strathfield Council has taped over wording acknowledging Wangal Country on six new entry signs while it considers alternative designs. The sandstone signs, installed at prominent intersections over the past two financial years, carried the phrase “Always was, always will be Wangal Country”.

The council spent $400,000 on the signs, including installation, landscaping and lighting. In August, it commissioned a report on alternative signage, with designs and estimated costs due in the first quarter of 2027. The council also resolved that the Indigenous statements be covered if they could not be immediately removed. Any approved replacements would be funded and completed in 2027-28.

Councillor John-Paul Baladi moved the motion, calling the signs “subpar” and saying they contained “political language”. He said the council should pursue “something bigger, bolder and better”. Mayor Benjamin Cai said the work had just finished and the council should be careful with its spending, while waiting for community feedback. No councillor voted against the motion.

Some coverings have been removed by other parties. A council spokesperson said staff were replacing them as required by the resolution. The spokesperson said the council had received no complaints about the original signs and was not aware of consultation with the Indigenous community before the decision to cover the statements.

Councillor Rory Nosworthy, who was absent from the meeting, has launched an online petition against the decision that has received more than 300 signatures. He described the move as a step backwards in reconciliation. The council says it is considering gateway signs and landscaping intended to be greener, prettier and welcoming to all people once costs are known.